This post is just a QUICK REMINDER that even though your pets are furry--the temps we will be getting over the next few days are going to be extreme. TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR OUTSIDE FUR KIDS!!!
KEEP AN EYE ON OUTSIDE WATER AND FOOD DISHES!!! Though I enjoy a glass of ice water now and again--I don't think I would take kindly to my only source to quench my thirst froze in a block of ice for two or three days and nights. UNLESS YOUR DOG OR CAT CAN USE AN ICE PICK--Make sure their water dishes don't freeze so that they cannot drink!! !!! Same with food--cold pizza is one thing --cold FROZEN CANNED DOG OR CAT FOOD is unpleasant to ANY pallet!
Bring the fur kids in side if it is at all possible! If you cannot bring them in the house--try the garage or an out building--but give them some sort of DRY PLACE where they can bundle in blankets or straw. Don't be afraid to go out and check on them now and again. If your freezing your hump off doing it--then it just might be TOO COLD FOR THEM to be out there too!
GIVE THEM SHELTER!!!! Ever had somebody blow cold air up your drawers or skirt??? Didn't care for it--did ya? Neither will your pets!!! The wind chill alone can kill an animal!!
I have attached here a diagram and instructions here that were posted to FACEBOOK showing a cheap and handy way to build an insulated shelter for an outside cat or smaller dog. Take a look and put your mind to it. You might come up with an even better idea!
Fast & Functional This innovative idea, costing around $30 ,but prices may vary..
In previous years, we learned that finding one plastic bin to fit inside another was the most challenging part of this project. One container should fit inside the other with room still left for polystyrene.
The inner box is an 18 gallon Rubbermaid "Roughneck Tote" - Lowe's part number: 44894 - Cost $5
The outer box is a 35 gallon Rubbermaid "Latching Tote" that is harder to find - Lowe's part number: 212261 - Cost $15
1" polystyrene - Cost $10
Total Cost in 2007-2008: $30
Having difficulty cutting the plastic? "We blew hot air from a hairdryer on the area where we planned to cut. This softened the plastic and it sliced like butter."
Consider surrounding your cats' shelter with bails of straw. Did you know that straw is a fabulously efficient insulator? Homes insulated with 18" wide bails of straw could save 75% on heating & cooling costs. Just think what that could do for your cats!
Place shelters where they will be protected from wind and snow drifts -- particularly those without protective flaps over the door(s) -- otherwise snow could blow in and bury/trap the cats. If there are fixed objects, such as buildings in your feral cat shelter area, pay attention to the way the winds tend to circulate, and place the shelters where there is the least amount of blowing & drifting snow. This could be a lifesaver, particularly for those who endure extreme winter weather, in which roads may be impassable for 1-2 days.
Depending on predators and other animals/hazards in your area, some cats may not use shelters unless there are two exits -- one for them to sneak out should another unwanted animal enter. Consider an emergency exit with a flap that opens from the inside only.
Remember that these animals LOOK TO YOU to love them and care for them. THEY ARE YOUR FUR KIDS!!! They would cross oceans for you! Don't let them down by forgetting to give them basic LIFE SAVING attention during the cold temps!
My cats (and the neighborhood strays) love shipping boxes! If left to choose between a cardboard box (left on the porch due to my laziness) and the expensive dog houses I bought for them---they are always in the box. The boxes can be "fabricated" to fit inside the plastic tote AND the rigid insulation (polystyrene) can be glued to the sides,top and...don't forget the bottom!! You only have to buy one tote per shelter. Thanks for sharing Brett!!
ReplyDeleteMine are the same way! Boy did they have a ball on Christmas morning!LOL THANKS for reading and commenting! Hope all is weel with your pack!
ReplyDeleteB